United States hybrid carrier JetBlue has taken delivery of its first Airbus A321LR aircraft featuring the new Airspace cabin designed by Airbus. The aircraft is set to be used to launch the carrier’s transatlantic London route later this year.
Both Airbus and Boeing regularly create cabin concepts for their aircraft. However, for an airline, a cabin can be a part of their identity. As a result, we typically see airlines choosing their own cabin instead of an off-the-shelf solution from the manufacturers. However, JetBlue has decided to fly Airbus’ new Airspace cabin when it launches London flights later this year.
First Airspace A321LR delivered
JetBlue today took delivery of its first Airspace cabin equipped Airbus A321LR in Hamburg. The airline has 13 such A321LRs on order, alongside 57 A321neo variants that will also feature the Airspace cabin. The aircraft delivered today is registered as N4022J, carrying serial number 10303.
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According to data from RadarBox.com, the jet took off from Airbus’ Finkenwerder facility just outside Hamburg at 11:13 this morning, starting a transatlantic voyage to its new home in the USA as flight B66993. Most JetBlue aircraft won’t ever fly back to Europe. However, we know that this aircraft will.
Commenting on the delivery, Robin Hayes, CEO of JetBlue, said,
“At JetBlue we are eagerly looking forward to introducing the Airbus A321 Long Range single-aisle aircraft with Airbus’ Airspace interior for our new transatlantic services. These aircraft will allow us to offer our customers attentive, boutique-style service, while also ensuring ample personal space, larger overhead bins, customized lighting and a design that gives the cabin a wide-body feel.”
The new Airspace cabin
As mentioned, this aircraft is the first of 13 A321LR aircraft that will feature JetBlue’s new Airspace cabin. But what exactly is the Airspace cabin? These neo aircraft will come in a two-class configuration. While it’s not unusual to see two classes on A320 family aircraft, lie-flat seats are few and far between.
However, the front of the aircraft will feature lie-flat seats, 24 to be exact, in 12 rows of 1-1. These seats will take the form of private suites and will comprise the carrier’s premium Mint cabin. However, it doesn’t stop there. Behind the premium cabin is an additional 114 seats. These economy seats are in a 3-3 configuration. Most seats offer 32 inches of pitch, with 18.4 inches of seat width.
London launch ahead
The aircraft delivered today will be part of the fleet that eventually flies to London. We’ve seen little hints here and there as to exactly what the service will look like from a schedule point of view. However, we do know what service passengers will receive onboard.
JetBlue is very keen to offer a unique service on its flights across the Atlantic ocean. This will see innovations such as customized meals ordered from the seat-back entertainment system. The flights will also feature free WiFi. You can read more about the expected soft-product here.
Are you excited to see JetBlue take its first A321LR with the new Airspace cabin? Let us know what you think and why in the comments.
